EPIGRAPHY (Gr. E7rl, on, and 7ph4ew, to write)  , a term used to denote (1) the study of inscriptions collectively, and (2) the science connected with the classification and explanation of inscriptions . It is sometimes employed, too, in a more contracted sense, to denote the palaeography, in inscriptions . Generally, it is that part of archaeology which has to do with inscriptions engraved on stone, metal or other permanent material (not, however, coins, which come under the heading NUMISMATICS) . See INSCRIPTIONS; PALAEOGRAPHY .